1 fatality

Mid-air collision between Moth and Avro 643 Cadet at RAAF Point Cook (A7-31)

Point Cook (Melbourne), AustraliaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 9, 1936, a De Havilland DH.60 Moth (registration A7-31) operated by Royal Australian Air Force - RAAF was involved in an aviation accident near Point Cook (Melbourne), Australia during landing or approach. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the Avro 643 Cadet pilot's failure to follow approach procedures and maintain safe separation distance. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A fatal mid-air collision occurred during a local training flight when a Moth struck an Avro 643 Cadet on final approach at RAAF Point Cook, resulting in one fatality and one injury.

What happened

During a local training exercise at RAAF Point Cook, a pilot flying a Moth was on final approach when the aircraft collided with an Avro 643 Cadet registered A6-9. The impact caused both aircraft to crash. The pilot of the Moth, identified in records as Sgt Sommerville, was killed in the accident. The pilot of the Avro Cadet sustained injuries. Post-accident photographs show the wreckage of both aircraft, with the A6-9 visible in the foreground and the other aircraft in the background.

Findings

The Royal Australian Air Force determined that the incident resulted from procedural failures by the crew of the Avro 643 Cadet. Specifically, the pilot failed to adhere to established approach procedures and did not maintain a safe separation distance from the other aircraft.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the Avro 643 Cadet pilot's failure to follow approach procedures and maintain safe separation distance.